27 May 2003

New Zealand’s classical music industry is a small but vital part of the country’s musical life, and New Zealand Music Month is a great opportunity to highlight several exciting new projects and initiatives occurring in this often-neglected area of the recording industry. These events include a shared CD launch by New Zealand’s three independent classical music CD labels and the announcement of a new recording of orchestral works by Gareth Farr.

The three independent classical CD recording labels, Atoll CDs, Rattle Records and Trust Records have banded together to promote this aspect of New Zealand music in the overseas market. Kicking off this initiative is a joint launch of three new recordings, prior to an all-Kiwi concert by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, 'Made in New Zealand', at Capital E, Civic Square in Wellington on Wednesday 28 April.

The three new releases are The Islands – orchestral music by Christopher Blake performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; Te Hekengarangi – music performed on traditional Maori instruments by the late Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns; and Psathas/Fragments – percussion, piano and chamber music by John Psathas.

Trust Records has also announced another important forthcoming project. A new recording of orchestral music by Gareth Farr by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the first for six years, includes five virtuosic display-pieces by this most colourful of New Zealand composers, including the Southern Hemisphere’s answer to Vivaldi’s 'Four Seasons' concertos, Ruaumoko, as well as a re-recording of Te Papa, originally composed to commemorate the opening of the Museum of New Zealand, Rangitoto (a musical representation of an exploding volcano!), Beowulf and Orakau.

Ross Hendy, Executive Producer for Trust Records said "New Zealand’s classical music is the poor relation in the industry, but there really is such a lot happening here. Our composers and recordings are bringing New Zealand’s culture to the world."